Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the process for retaining you as our Officiant?

Simply click on the blue consultation button throughout the website to book an initial consultation with me. This will be a conference call meeting and will run for approximately 1 hour. Once we decide that we’re a match, you will then take the necessary steps to bring me on board as your Officiant.

How far in advance do we need to book you?

Planning your wedding day should ideally start with choosing a date, followed by a venue and then the Officiant. I often see couples waiting until the last minute to hire the Officiant. I urge you not to do this as you may be disappointed. As an award winning Wedding Officiant and Certified Celebrant, I’m in high demand and my dates book up really fast. To be sure that I'm available on your date, I recommend you contact me as soon as you've selected your venue. Your signed service agreement and payment “locks in” your date/time so no other couple can have it.

What time should we ask our guests to arrive?

If you know your people are always late for everything, be sure to build a “cushion” in the time you ask them to arrive so that your ceremony start on time. I highly recommend asking your guests to arrive at least 30 minutes early depending on your venue location and their mode of transportation. Keep in mind that I may have another commitment after your ceremony, and if you and your guests are running very late, this could pose a problem of epic proportions.

What are your prices and payment methods?

$1,300+ – Starting price point for ceremonies outside the NY tri-state area and overseas

I accept all major credit cards via PayPal. I do not accept personal checks or any other payment methods. Depending on your venue location, you may incur addition fees for mileage, tolls, parking etc. See my pricing page for more information.

NO HAGGLING:I'm aware that haggling with wedding industry professionals is very common, please note that my business is a no haggling zone. My prices are non-negotiable.

RESPECT: Please don’t book a consultation for my services knowing full well that these prices are outside of your budget – doing so is a waste of my time and is disrespectful to my business.

CAUTION:Your choice of Officiant is crucial and you definitely don’t want the cheapest Officiant to be a part of the most important day of your life – trust me! Here is an example of what can happen when you do. You may be in for a disastrous ceremony if you choose a friend or family member who has never performed a ceremony before or someone who got a quickie online ordination just to officiate your wedding – VERY. BAD. IDEA.

How do you justify your prices when the ceremony runs for only 30 minutes?

Really? Okay, let me put it this way:

ACTUAL TIME: The amount of time involved in collaborating, crafting and delivering your beautiful ceremony is nowhere near 30 minutes. To quote one of my colleagues: “you are not paying $650 for half an hour of work – you are paying $650 for twenty plus hours of work, and years of experience." Read her brilliant blog post breaking this down further.

PRICING TIP: Your ceremony should cost (at the very least) somewhere in the neighborhood of what you’re paying for your cake!

What about the paperwork, do you help us with that?

Yes. The legal requirements vary from state to state and you may find some general information regarding the paperwork portion of your big day here.

What’s the difference between the License and the Certificate?

The marriage license is the document that authorizes you to get married and the marriage certificate is the document that proves you are married.

Can we write our own vows?

Yes, absolutely! You can find some quick tips on writing your own vows here.

We’re already legally married (but no one knows), can you still perform our ceremony?

Yes, absolutely! Please note though that it’s illegal to perform a “fake wedding ceremony”, so I would need to see a copy of your Certified Marriage Certificatebefore I perform your ceremony.

We just need our paperwork done. We don’t want a ceremony at this time. Can you just do our paperwork?

Yes, absolutely!

COST: If you don’t want a ceremony but just your paperwork processed, the price for that is $425.

WITNESSES: You can come to my office (by appointment only) or we can make arrangements for me to come to you for the signing. If I come to you, depending on your location, there may be additional fees such as mileage etc. Be sure to have your TWO witnesses available on that date/time.

Is there a Service Agreement or Contract?

Yes, I do require a pretty straightforward Service Agreement that outlines the details of your ceremony and the terms of our agreement. This is designed to establish a clear written understanding of my services for your ceremony and to help everyone feel assured that all the details are covered.

Our wedding is not in the tri-state area, will you travel?

Yes, absolutely! I will travel far and wide for my couples. You will incur additional travelcosts. Please see my pricing page for more information.

Consultation

Ceremony Consultation

We have reviewed the PRICING PAGE, these prices are IN OUR BUDGET and we would like to book a consultation to discuss our upcoming ceremony. *

YES

General Ceremony Info

Your Name *

Your Name

First Name

Last Name

Your Beloved's Name *

Your Beloved's Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

I will not publish, share, or sell your email address in any way.

Your Phone Number *

Your Phone Number

(###)

###

####

Service You Desire *

Wedding Ceremony

Vow Renewal Ceremony

Date of your ceremony *

Date of your ceremony

MM

DD

YYYY

What is the START TIME of your Ceremony *

What is the START TIME of your Ceremony

Hour

Minute

Second

What is the ARRIVAL TIME of your Guests *

What is the ARRIVAL TIME of your Guests

The time you’ve asked your guests to arrive

Hour

Minute

Second

Ceremony Location (City and State) *

Ceremony Venue (Name) *

Estimated Number of Guests *

Wedding Party Size *

Include Bridesmaids, Groomsmen AND Ring Bearer, Flower Girls etc.

Are you having a rehearsal *

Highly recommended for small or large weddings

Yes

No

We don’t know yet

If you are having a rehearsal, will you need me present at the rehearsal *

There is an additional FEE for a rehearsal and it CAN'T be held on a Friday or Saturday.

$1,300+ – Starting price point for ceremonies outside of the NY Tri-State area and Overseas.

PAYMENTS & ADDITIONAL FEES

We understand these prices are NON-NEGOTIABLE and FULL PAYMENT is due upon booking. We also understand that ADDITIONAL FEES may apply for mileage, tolls, gas and parking depending on our venue location. *

Got it!

Hi there!

Thank you for your inquiry – I’m super excited to connect with you! Please give me a few minutes to review your inquiry and I'll get back to you shortly.

If it’s during business hours (EST), I’ll get back to you the same day. If it’s after business hours, I’ll get back to you the next day.

In the meantime, feel free to check out my FAQ and Paperwork pages on my website to learn about some frequently asked questions and the paperwork portion of your big day.

I look forward to connecting with you both!

~ Aretha Gaskin

What do you wear at the ceremony?

My wardrobe varies, depending on the location and weather, however I always dress conservatively. I generally do not wear ceremonial robes or other religious clothing. If you are having a theme for your wedding, I will make every effort (within reason) to adjust my clothing accordingly (e.g. beach wedding).

What about the rehearsal?

If you're having a small or large wedding party, a rehearsal is highly recommended. There is an additional fee for a rehearsal and it cannot be held on a Friday or Saturday. You should check my availability for your rehearsal before scheduling the rehearsal.

The rehearsal takes approximately 1 hour. I highly recommend having your rehearsal at the same venue and if possible in the same space as the ceremony. Click here for some rehearsal prep information.

What is the usual length for a wedding ceremony?

My ceremonies generally last approximately 30 minutes. You want your ceremony long enough that your guests don’t question “that's it?” but not so long that they begin to squirm. If you wish to make the ceremony a bit longer, we can include various rituals, readings, a song by a talented friend/family just to name a few.

Can we include our pets in the ceremony?

No. Pets and wedding ceremonies generally do not have a grand history together. I will not interact with any pets in any capacity whatsoever.

Will you stay for the reception/cocktail hour and when do you arrive?

Although I appreciate your hospitality, I do not stay for the reception or the cocktail hour. Once your marriage paperwork is all squared away, I will quietly make my exit. I generally arrive thirty minutes before the ceremony starts.

Should we tip you?

Tips are never expected but are always appreciated.

I’m always available to talk and connect with you and your families. My office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST and I’m available after hours (by appointment) if you need to connect with me after hours.

$1,300+ – Starting price point for ceremonies outside of the NY Tri-State area and Overseas.

PAYMENTS & ADDITIONAL FEES

We understand these prices are NON-NEGOTIABLE and FULL PAYMENT is due upon booking. We also understand that ADDITIONAL FEES may apply for mileage, tolls, gas and parking depending on our venue location. *

Got it!

Hi there!

Thank you for your inquiry – I’m super excited to connect with you! Please give me a few minutes to review your inquiry and I'll get back to you shortly.

If it’s during business hours (EST), I’ll get back to you the same day. If it’s after business hours, I’ll get back to you the next day.

In the meantime, feel free to check out my FAQ and Paperwork pages on my website to learn about some frequently asked questions and the paperwork portion of your big day.